'Most of his family were with him' - Much loved comedian Jon Gadsby dead, aged 62

Celebrated Kiwi comedian Jon Gadsby has passed away after a battle with cancer.

The 62-year-old Christchurch-based entertainer was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September.

In a statement the family has thanked everyone "who has been part of Jon's journey" since his diagnosis.

Jon Gadsby had been writing and presenting popular comedy television shows for nearly 40 years and was one of the comedians behind the long-running political satire show McPhail and Gadsby, which TVNZ broadcast in the 1990s.

He had written more than 250 hours of prime time television and was a lead actor in 400 episodes.

Gadsby was also a regular writer for several newspapers and magazines like The Listener and authored dozens of children's books and poems.

Family friend Tracey Chambers said most of his family were with him when he passed away last night in Christchurch.

“This is a very, very close family and while everyone knew Jon was unwell it’s always a shock when the inevitable happens.”

One of the first to pay tribute to the late broadcaster was long time collaborator and friend Peter Rowley.

On his personal Facebook page, Mr Rowley posted a picture of the them with fellow comedian David McPhail yesterday evening, accompanying it with the words "RIP Jono...".

In October, his family said in a statement to media that his diagnosis and treatment was a "difficult time for everyone".

"Jon and the family are grateful for the excellent care he is receiving from the medical profession and for the good wishes and prayers from the community," his family said.

Mr Gadsby was born in England and moved to New Zealand with his family eight years later. In 1975 he took a job in radio and his television career soon took off.

In 1992 he was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for his work in broadcasting.